To ensure a successful cassava harvest, farmers must understand the basic requirements for cassava farming. Here is everything to know.
While many ignorant farmers grow this crop and get relatively average harvests, following guidelines and being in the know will increase the yield.
From soil requirements and preparation to growth stages, and water and nutrient requirements, the best practices will promise good yield.
We have detailed every basic step you should know when starting in cassava farming in this article and there are links to more elaborate topics on the subject.
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Key Takeaway
- Soil Requirements: Cassava grows best in deep, well-drained loamy soils with adequate rainfall and warm, moist climatic conditions, preferring fertile soils with pH 4.5 to 7.0 and organic carbon levels of 20-40 g/kg.
- Categories of Cassava Farming: Cassava farming includes small-scale and large-scale or industrial.
- Cassava Stem Sourcing: Healthy cassava stems are essential for optimal yield and are mostly sourced from the fields, bought from the market or institutions.
- Cassava Production: Cassava can be grown in various soil types and ecologies, with optimal yields achieved in deep, well-drained loamy soils.
- Challenges in Cassava Farming: Nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases are significant constraints to cassava production.
Related: Varieties of Cassava Stem and Propagation
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaway
- What is Cassava Farming?
- Soil Requirements for Cassava Farming
- Categories of Cassava Farming and Cultivation
- Sourcing of Cassava Stems
- Cassava Production
- Challenges in Cassava Farming and Production
- Conclusion
What is Cassava Farming?
Cassava farming is the cultivating of cassava, in various soil types and climates, with traditional practices with labor-intensive methods or modern techniques focusing on large-scale production and mechanized processes.
Recommended: Introduction to Cassava Processing
Soil Requirements for Cassava Farming
While cassava can do well in most soil types, here are some requirements that can boost its yield from research.
Soil pH
Cassava prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Soils with a pH less than 5.5 are acidic and can support cassava growth only if treated with lime.
On the other hand, soils with a pH higher than 7.8 can be too alkaline for cassava growth.
So, the keyword is balance.
Soil Texture
Yuca grows well in loose-structure soils such as light sandy loams and loamy sands.
These soils allow for unimpeded root growth, good drainage, and easy harvesting.
Sandy soils support leaf and stem growth at the expense of root development, while loamy soils promote root growth more than leaf and stem development. Again, the keyword is balance.
Soil Fertility
Cassava is a heavy feeder and requires a balanced diet of nutrients.
It can grow in soils with low fertility, but additional fertilizers are necessary to achieve optimal yields.
Soil fertility plays a crucial role in cassava production, and farmers should ensure that their soil has adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients.
Soil Water Holding Capacity
Cassava requires adequate water to grow, especially during the first few months after planting.
The soil should have a good water-holding capacity to retain moisture during dry spells. This is particularly important in areas with low rainfall.
Soil Temperature
Cassava grows best in warm temperatures, ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F).
Soil temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can be beneficial for cassava growth, but temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can slow down growth and reduce yields.
Related: Mechanized Cassava Farming
Categories of Cassava Farming and Cultivation
Cassava farming and cultivation is divided into three main categories: small-scale, large-scale, and commercial.
Small-scale farmers cultivate yuca for subsistence purposes – for their own use, using traditional farming techniques such as a hoe, shovel, and other local farming equipment and rely solely on family effort and labour.
Large-scale farmers use relatively more advanced farming tools, techniques, and equipment, including tractors and irrigation systems, to increase yield.
Commercial farmers on the other hand produce cassava for sale in local or international markets.
Irrespective of the size of production, anybody who wants successful cassava farming will have his attention along the following key factors:
1. Preparing the soil: Cassava grows best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Before planting, the soil should be tilled to a depth of 6-8 inches to loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter.
2. Planting: Cassava is propagated from nodes of the stem cuttings, and planted at a depth of 6-12 inches and spaced 3-6 feet apart, concerning the variety and growing conditions. The optimal planting period varies by region, but does well during the rainy season. See how to plant cassava cuttings.
3. Irrigation: While cassava is drought-resistant, it needs enough moisture during the first few months of growth. Irrigation may be necessary during dry season to increase growth and succulent yield.
4. Weed management: Weeds can be a problem for cassava plants as they compete for nutrients, water, and light, affecting the desired yields. Regular weeding is important to make the plant robust, especially during the first few months of growth.
5. Pest and disease management: Cassava is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak disease, and cassava green mite. Proper pest and disease management is essential to prevent crop losses.
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Sourcing of Cassava Stems
Cassava stems are the primary planting material for cassava farming. Sourcing these stems is a critical component of cassava farming.
They are used to propagate new cassava plants, which are then harvested for their tubers.
The quality of the cassava stems plays an important role in determining the yield and quality of the cassava roots which are the main target.
Farmers must have access to high-quality propagating stems to achieve optimal yields and ensure the success of their farming enterprise.
Methods of Sourcing Cassava Stems
There are several methods used to source cassava stems, including:
Farmers’ Farms: In my local farming community, getting the cassava stem is easy.
Cassava farmers can obtain the propagating stems from their own farms or from those of their neighbors.
This method is cost-effective and ensures that the stems are of high quality.
Community Markets: Cassava stems can be sourced from rural markets, where farmers sell their excess stems to other farmers or traders.
Research Institutes: Research institutes, such as the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike can provide cassava stems to farmers.
These stems are often of high quality and are bred for specific traits such as disease resistance or high yields.
Private Companies: Private companies can also provide cassava stems to farmers. These companies often have large-scale cassava farms and can provide high-quality stems to farmers.
Challenges in Sourcing Cassava Stems
Despite the various methods used to source cassava stems, there are several challenges that farmers face. These include:
Availability: Yuca stems may not always be at farmers’ beck and call, especially during off-farming seasons or in areas with limited cassava production.
Quality: The quality of yuca stems can vary, and farmers may not always be lucky to get high-quality stems.
Cost: Sourcing cassava stems can be costly, especially if farmers have to purchase them from private companies or research institutes.
Related: Setbacks in the Cassava Value Chain
Cassava Production
The production of cassava involves a chain of steps before it is used to produce its numerous products and gets to the final consumer.
The procedure employs steps from planting to harvesting and processing as you can see below:
1. Planting
As mentioned earlier, yuca is propagated from stem cuttings with the budding nodes.
The cuttings are planted at a depth of 6-12 inches on soft mounds of preferably loamy soil and spaced 3-6 feet apart, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
2. Growth and development
After planting, the cassava plant goes through several stages of growth and development. The first stage is the sprouting stage when the shoots appear from the nodes.
This is followed by the establishment phase, which lasts for about 3-4 months.
During this phase, the plant develops roots and leaves. The second stage is the bulking phase, which lasts for about 6-12 months. During this phase, the roots grow in size and accumulate starch.
3. Harvesting
Cassava roots are typically harvested 8-24 months after planting, depending on the variety and conditions of growth.
Harvesting is usually done manually using hoes or machetes. The roots are carefully dug out of the soil to avoid damage.
However, in mechanized yuca farming, there are more effective techniques for harvesting.
Storage
As soon as cassava is harvested and left above ground, it starts the fermentation process which is why an effective storage technique is necessary.
Depending on what the harvested cassava is going to be used for, the storage technique will differ.
In my traditional farming community where the primary use of cassava is the production of garri, fufu, pudding and other cassava-based foods, cassava is typically stored immediately after harvesting to prevent spoilage.
The tubers are left under a shed with open sides for ventilation for one day after harvest before peeled and the other processes commence.
It is important to keep it away from moisture and sunlight as these will hasten the chemical breakdown of the components.
Another method is covering the roots in a trench or pit, covered with soil or sand, and kept at a consistent temperature.
This method helps maintain the roots’ quality and prevents decay. For longer storage, cassava can be cured by drying the roots in the sun or using a controlled drying process.
This process helps remove excess moisture and prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, allowing the roots to be stored for several weeks or even months.
Related: Environmental Impact of Cassava Cultivation
Challenges in Cassava Farming and Production
Despite its importance as a food crop, cassava farming and production face several challenges:
1. Climate change: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, which can hurt cassava yields.
2. Pests and diseases: Cassava is susceptible to a variety of biotic factors – pests and diseases, including cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak disease, and cassava green mite. These can cause significant crop losses if not properly managed.
3. Postharvest losses: Cassava roots are highly perishable and can spoil quickly after harvesting. Improper handling and storage can lead to significant postharvest losses.
4. Processing challenges: Processing cassava to remove toxins and prepare it for consumption or further processing can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for small-scale farmers.
5. Market access: Many cassava farmers, especially small-scale farmers, face challenges in accessing markets for their products. Poor infrastructure, lack of market information, and low prices can make it difficult for farmers to sell their crops.
Addressing the Challenges
To address these challenges, it is important to invest in research and development to develop new cassava varieties that are more resilient to climate change and pests and diseases.
Improving postharvest handling and storage practices can also help reduce losses and increase the availability of cassava products.
Strengthening market linkages and improving infrastructure can help farmers access better prices and increase their incomes.
Conclusion
Cassava is a vital food crop that supports the livelihoods of millions of people globally.
While cassava farming and production face several challenges, including climate change, pests and diseases, and market access, there are also many opportunities to improve productivity and sustainability.
By investing in research and development, improving farming practices, and strengthening market linkages, we can help ensure that cassava continues to play a key role in global food security and economic development.
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